COMMON LESIONS OF THE ORAL CAVITY

oralcavitykapak

SOFT TISSUE CALCIFICATIONS

Hatice Güller1
Muhammed Akif Sümbüllü2

1Atatürk University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Erzurum, Türkiye
2Atatürk University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Erzurum, Türkiye

Güller H, Sümbüllü MA. Soft Tissue Calcifications. In: Çakır B editor. Common Lesions of the Oral Cavity. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.21-30.

ABSTRACT

Soft tissue calcifications and ossifications in the craniofacial region, although rarely encountered, are often incidentally detected during routine radiographic examinations and may present clinically signif- icant findings. These calcifications and ossifications are generally classified into three main categories based on their etiology: dystrophic, idiopathic, and metastatic. Dystrophic calcifications typically arise following inflammation or tissue damage, leading to mineral deposition in the affected areas. Idiopath- ic calcifications, on the other hand, occur without any apparent underlying cause. Metastatic calcifica- tions result from the systemic spread of cancer within the body. Ossifications differ from calcifications in that they involve the process of bone formation and are associated with more specific anatomical structures. Examples of ossifications observed in the craniofacial region include stylohyoid ligament ossification, osteoma cutis, myositis ossificans, and Longus Colli tendinitis. While soft tissue calci- fications and ossifications are often asymptomatic, they may occasionally lead to significant clinical manifestations such as pain, swelling, restricted movement, and functional impairment. However, in the majority of cases, these lesions remain asymptomatic for extended periods and are identified inci- dentally during routine radiographic evaluations. The location, size, and morphology of these lesions are typically critical diagnostic criteria. Calcifications and ossifications in the craniofacial region are usually simple cases, but in certain instances, they may present as more complex and symptomatic conditions. Diagnosis and treatment planning should consider factors such as anatomical localization, distribution, number, size, and shape of the lesions.

This section classifies soft tissue calcifications and ossifications observed in the craniofacial region based on their general characteristics and discusses their clinical and radiographic features. Under- standing the distinctions between calcifications and ossifications is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

Keywords: Calsinosis; Heterotopic ossification; Incidental findings; Oral patholoji; Panoramic radiography

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